A rhodamine-cyclen conjugate as chromogenic and fluorescent chemosensor for copper ion in aqueous media.

A novel compound 1 containing rhodamine B and macrocyclic groups has been synthesized. It was found to exhibit a reversible colorimetric response, high selectivity and sensitivity for Cu(II) ion over other commonly coexistent metal ions. The colorimetric and fluorescent response to Cu(II) can be conveniently detected even by the naked eye, which provided a facile method for visual detection of Cu(II). Approximate 71 and 53-fold enhancement in the absorbance at about 557 nm and fluorescence intensity at about 580 nm were estimated when Cu(II) ion was added to the aqueous media of compound 1. The detection limit was calculated to be 2 μM.